Arise: A simple story Reviews

Arise: A simple story is ranked in the 89th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
55 / 100
Dec 6, 2019

Arise: A Simple Story is pretty to look at, but the moment you have to start playing, it falls apart. A mish-mash of imagery, tone, gameplay, and narrative that seem okay on their own, but fail to come together.

Read full review

GameSpew
Top Critic
6 / 10.0
Dec 2, 2019

Ultimately, while Arise: A Simple Story has some wonderful ideas, it’s let down by unenjoyable gameplay.

Read full review

6.5 / 10.0
May 4, 2022

Overall, then, Arise remains an interesting platform experience. The gameplay is fun, the time manipulation is a well-used and well-developed mechanic, the visuals and sound are solid, yet the narrative goes to some strange, tone-deaf places and the overall message is, at best, mixed. Joyful at the beginning, borderline offensive in places in the middle, and thoroughly bleak by the ending.

Read full review

6.5 / 10.0
Dec 2, 2019

Arise: A Simple Story is a beautiful, moving experience I couldn't stop swearing at. The game delivers a lovely yarn and some clever level design, but clunky controls and an infuriating camera leave this platformer stranded in purgatory. Arise's story may be worth your time, but only if you're the patient type. Simple as that.

Read full review

7 / 10.0
May 4, 2022

Although it's a game without much pretensions, Arise: A Simple Story - Definitive Edition could have had more refinement in the narrative construction, as well as more polish and development both from an artistic and gameplay point of view. However, the title by Piccolo Studio has good ideas in its level design, has some beautiful scenes and conveys a beautiful and simple message from its developers, and deserves to be appreciated by fans of platform art games, although they should try it without great expectations.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

7 / 10
Dec 7, 2019

Playing Arise is often frustrating so I’d suggest being aware of that before playing it, but when the music, visuals and moments in the gameplay just mix perfectly it’s this colourful cocktail to pull on your feelings out of nowhere, because although it’s a simple tale, it’s one we can all relate to.

Read full review

Nov 30, 2019

Arise: A Simple Story is a gorgeous and touching tale of love and loss that nearly overcomes its constant platforming problems.

Read full review

XboxEra
Harm0nica
7.5 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

‘Arise: A Simple Story’ is a well-designed Platform Puzzler with a very clever time manipulation mechanic. The game is very striking visually and the musical score picks you up and carries you along the way with it. The puzzles are not over-taxing but are challenging enough to keep you interested and create a nice, chill gaming experience. If you are looking for a platformer game that will take you on a bit of an emotional journey, you should check this out.

Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Dec 2, 2019

Piccolo Studio's Arise: A Simple Story tells its tale with beautiful dreamscapes and time-altering gameplay, but fails to engage players.

Read full review

7.8 / 10.0
Dec 4, 2019

Arise: A Simple Story is well worth the $20 and six hours you'll spend playing it. Even though it can't seem to avoid problems that plague your typical indie game, the artwork and level design are beyond worth the small investment.

Read full review

IGN Spain
Top Critic
7.8 / 10.0
Dec 2, 2019

A title that is much better for its narrative than for its platforms. Luckily, everything works thanks to music and its graphic section.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Apr 29, 2022

Arise: A Simple Story takes you on a journey of emotions through the memories of a protagonist. A simple and focused story, quite unique among the industry's common epic narratives. Being a game where you control the time, it also surprises by the fact that it respects the player's time a lot, being a shorter experience (about 4 hours), but free of any unnecessary moments or irrelevant content.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10
Sep 29, 2022

The gameplay is accessible and even though the game experience is rather slow-paced, this is in no way an obstacle to enjoy it - quite the contrary, it's where Arise's experience turns out to excel the most with its enveloping qualities, simple but gorgeous worlds and exquisite soundtrack. These are all further topped by this Definitive Edition, that brings a welcome additional content to the Nintendo Switch.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10.0
May 6, 2022

Arise: A Simple Story is an emotional and witty adventure with a wonderful artwork. However, its platforming-based gameplay, while well thought out and executed, does not always go hand in hand with its narrative.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Apr 29, 2022

From its story to its platforming, Arise is simple in many ways and is not afraid to try new things with its mechanics. While its platforming makes things more difficult than it needs to be at times, it is the journey through the narrative that matters the most. If you’re up for a simple yet satisfying journey that tugs at your heartstrings, Arise will do just that.

Read full review

8 / 10
May 27, 2022

Arise – A Simple Story contains a beautifully told story within a charming puzzle adventure. With poignant moments and joyful visuals, this game has the ability to capture a breadth of emotion with ease. It’s a short but worthy edition to narrative driven puzzle games.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Dec 19, 2019

Arise : A Simple Story is a simple game from both story and gameplay perspectives but it is this simplicity that makes all the different parts of it come together and make it a unique experience.

Review in Persian | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Dec 2, 2019

...If you’re a big as of a sap as I am but not as fussy about controls, Arise: A Simple Story is well worth the time. It's a story that stayed on my mind well after the closing credits.

Read full review

Dec 4, 2019

Those who enjoy 3D platformers with a twist will love their time with Arise: A Simple Story and its gorgeous world.

Read full review

4 / 5.0
May 23, 2022

Arise: A Simple Story is a fantastic indie game from Piccolo Studio's, demonstrating incredible talent. The platforming is fun and engaging, allowing anyone to dive right in without too high of a skill gap. Each world is wonderful and vibrant, with each offering a unique and interesting platforming puzzle to make every level stand out in its own way. If you're a fan of games like Journey or Last Day of June, this game will definitely scratch that itch.

Read full review